EPISODE TO REMEMBER
December, 06 2009.....my blog has been justified by the 'uncaring' attitude of the Air India staff and management. I had mentioned and hoped that the management would pay heed to my observation and direct their technical staff to 'pull-up- their-socks' and improve upon their technical responsibilities. But, I think that they have a magic wand up their sleeve by which they will wish away their mismanagement.
That most of the flying passengers happen to be Indians, does it mean that they can be mistreated and no responsibility be accepted. Don't Indians pay for the flight? Are they not your esteemed customers? Don't the employees get their pay from the proceeds earned by the Airline? So, Mr. Bhargava, don't you think you ought to offer apologies to the stressed passengers on behalf of the Air line? Just because there was no politician on board the management can get away?
I would like to inform the management that a passenger carrying aeroplane cannot be made to get air borne when the Ac of the aircraft is not working? are YOUR commanders so oblivious of passenger comfort? What if one of the passenger had the misfortune to suffocate and loose his/her life? Also, the spoke man of the company trying to mention that passengers were told that the Ac would become effective after it gets airborne. Mr. Bhargava, modern day aircraft are designed to have the air conditioning functional from ground up and not after it gets in the air.
To my understanding the episode is a result of absolute callousness on the part of the Air line.Everyone, from the ground up. Not only the airline offer apologies, but hand out adequate compensation-or else soon the Air line could pass on to oblivion.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
SURROGACY
SURROGACY
SURROGATE Mothers- they are in the news these days, almost daily, in the news papers. Mostly for the wrong reasons, and most of the time the mother though not at fault, directly or indirectly becomes the victim. The ‘earnings’ being far too little to the emotional turmoil sustained.
No, I am not against surrogacy. The procedure is meant to benefit, all concerned, both financially and emotionally. I am for the Country, the medical practitioner, the surrogate mother and the beneficiary couple to broaden their thoughts, have proper legal approach so that the newborn does not suffer undue publicity, especially when he/she is in condition to understand the ramifications, nor register a protest.
Presently, a German couple is in the news, wherein, they have had a lovely baby from an Indian surrogate mother, but the child is stateless. Indian laws do not consider the child to be Indian by birth, though born in this country. Germany does not consider the couple as the parent, as the child is born of Indian mother.
Now, lets us consider the whole concept of surrogacy. An Indian woman is free in this independent country to be a surrogate mother. But her child cannot be considered an Indian citizen, by birth, as the one of the contributor for this parenting happens to be a foreigner. Why in this country we cannot take the mother to be the legal child bearer and grant citizenship? Perhaps our lawmakers should devote their attention to this aspect, and more.
If we were to encourage our medical tourism, we should spell out our mindset on the subject and make it lucrative for all the parties to feel encouraged to reap the benefits of the surrogacy under legal and healthy conditions. If we were to does so, then, the surrogacies itself become a multi-million dollar industry.
SURROGATE Mothers- they are in the news these days, almost daily, in the news papers. Mostly for the wrong reasons, and most of the time the mother though not at fault, directly or indirectly becomes the victim. The ‘earnings’ being far too little to the emotional turmoil sustained.
No, I am not against surrogacy. The procedure is meant to benefit, all concerned, both financially and emotionally. I am for the Country, the medical practitioner, the surrogate mother and the beneficiary couple to broaden their thoughts, have proper legal approach so that the newborn does not suffer undue publicity, especially when he/she is in condition to understand the ramifications, nor register a protest.
Presently, a German couple is in the news, wherein, they have had a lovely baby from an Indian surrogate mother, but the child is stateless. Indian laws do not consider the child to be Indian by birth, though born in this country. Germany does not consider the couple as the parent, as the child is born of Indian mother.
Now, lets us consider the whole concept of surrogacy. An Indian woman is free in this independent country to be a surrogate mother. But her child cannot be considered an Indian citizen, by birth, as the one of the contributor for this parenting happens to be a foreigner. Why in this country we cannot take the mother to be the legal child bearer and grant citizenship? Perhaps our lawmakers should devote their attention to this aspect, and more.
If we were to encourage our medical tourism, we should spell out our mindset on the subject and make it lucrative for all the parties to feel encouraged to reap the benefits of the surrogacy under legal and healthy conditions. If we were to does so, then, the surrogacies itself become a multi-million dollar industry.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
DEFENCE SERVICE-----and-----AFTER
The armed forces are a disciplined lot, nobody doubts that. That they have been asking for better pay and perks, which the Govt in power has been sensitive, and the demand is often acceded to. The members of the armed forces gracefully accept, and also have got improved upon the inequalities that the formulated system(s) get imbedded with, perforce.
Once having got what is accepted, the members of the armed forces go about doing their job, till the next pay commission. That’s when the principal representatives put forward their point of view and leave it to the powers that be to decide. This is what is to be expected of, and accepted with not latitude or margin given.
Members, who are God blessed, get the opportunity to retire and enjoy the fruits of their labor, as they age. During their life in the armed forces, they enjoy certain perks and privileges, such as canteen and medical facilities for self and their immediate family members. These facilities are extended after retirement is also a fact. The retired fraternity is unanimous in their gratitude.
The members, while in service, on duty travelled as per their rank in the appropriate class of the railways. On leave, enjoyed the LTC for self and family as per prevailing rules and travelled in the appropriate class of the railway. Other than the above, a limited number of concession opportunities are also accorded for the travel of self with family or at times even without accompanying the family. Unfortunately the member, after retirement is not given any such opportunity to enjoy subsidized travel with or without his family, not even once a year. By now, the ‘family’ is limited to only wife, often- as the children have grown up and settled out on their own.
Now, it discriminates the member of armed forces when he finds that cadres when they retire from the railways and from the National Airlines not only enjoy the perks for themselves but accord the perk to their blood relation.
The government, in my opinion, should rethink and grant a similar concession to the retired members of the forces, to travel in the railways as per their rank at the time of retirement. Even one such journey, anywhere in India, per year for two, would accord a great sense of relief to the retired.
Once having got what is accepted, the members of the armed forces go about doing their job, till the next pay commission. That’s when the principal representatives put forward their point of view and leave it to the powers that be to decide. This is what is to be expected of, and accepted with not latitude or margin given.
Members, who are God blessed, get the opportunity to retire and enjoy the fruits of their labor, as they age. During their life in the armed forces, they enjoy certain perks and privileges, such as canteen and medical facilities for self and their immediate family members. These facilities are extended after retirement is also a fact. The retired fraternity is unanimous in their gratitude.
The members, while in service, on duty travelled as per their rank in the appropriate class of the railways. On leave, enjoyed the LTC for self and family as per prevailing rules and travelled in the appropriate class of the railway. Other than the above, a limited number of concession opportunities are also accorded for the travel of self with family or at times even without accompanying the family. Unfortunately the member, after retirement is not given any such opportunity to enjoy subsidized travel with or without his family, not even once a year. By now, the ‘family’ is limited to only wife, often- as the children have grown up and settled out on their own.
Now, it discriminates the member of armed forces when he finds that cadres when they retire from the railways and from the National Airlines not only enjoy the perks for themselves but accord the perk to their blood relation.
The government, in my opinion, should rethink and grant a similar concession to the retired members of the forces, to travel in the railways as per their rank at the time of retirement. Even one such journey, anywhere in India, per year for two, would accord a great sense of relief to the retired.
A DIVIDED INDIA?.....Is This What We Wanted!
Dear Countrymen,
We fought for Independence. We got it, because our elders, under the leadership of selfless, intelligent and logically thinking politicians, struggled for it. Our coming generation should be left to inherit a strong,safe, progressive and economically well governed country.
Today, we are witnessing the breakup of the country. Our over zealous so called leaders are doing all at their command to achieve fiefdom for themselves at the cost of the Nation. They are bent upon, and, succeeding to breakup this country into regions, which eventually will make way for smaller divisions, to principalities.Perhaps soon we will 'foreigners' in our own land.
We have allowed 'shallow' minded persons who are encouraged, to lead mob like bunch of people to get their writ run.These so called leaders, to succeed,fall back on 'ethnic' sentiments of the masses of the region. By their acts, it is evident that they are quite inspired by such literature as 'Mien Kampf' authored by A.Hitler. So self-centered are these politicians, that while they swear by the 'ethnic' but don't hesitate to make quick bucks in very sizable quantities unscrupulously, and not necessarily from people of their ilk or creed. Their education is exposed when they lead this mindless mob, making the lead believe, that the the region is greater than the country.
The trend, which had begun not so while back doesn't seem to stop. The reason being that those who have 'rational' minds,too, encourage by inaction or stay impassive to react in their own interest.There are hardly any leaders available these days, who place country before self.By commission or by omission, future will rue the situation it will find itself in.I think it is not too late if we were to stop such actions forthwith and ensure by legislation and law that no one indulges in times to come.We owe it to our children that we do not give them a broken Country.
We fought for Independence. We got it, because our elders, under the leadership of selfless, intelligent and logically thinking politicians, struggled for it. Our coming generation should be left to inherit a strong,safe, progressive and economically well governed country.
Today, we are witnessing the breakup of the country. Our over zealous so called leaders are doing all at their command to achieve fiefdom for themselves at the cost of the Nation. They are bent upon, and, succeeding to breakup this country into regions, which eventually will make way for smaller divisions, to principalities.Perhaps soon we will 'foreigners' in our own land.
We have allowed 'shallow' minded persons who are encouraged, to lead mob like bunch of people to get their writ run.These so called leaders, to succeed,fall back on 'ethnic' sentiments of the masses of the region. By their acts, it is evident that they are quite inspired by such literature as 'Mien Kampf' authored by A.Hitler. So self-centered are these politicians, that while they swear by the 'ethnic' but don't hesitate to make quick bucks in very sizable quantities unscrupulously, and not necessarily from people of their ilk or creed. Their education is exposed when they lead this mindless mob, making the lead believe, that the the region is greater than the country.
The trend, which had begun not so while back doesn't seem to stop. The reason being that those who have 'rational' minds,too, encourage by inaction or stay impassive to react in their own interest.There are hardly any leaders available these days, who place country before self.By commission or by omission, future will rue the situation it will find itself in.I think it is not too late if we were to stop such actions forthwith and ensure by legislation and law that no one indulges in times to come.We owe it to our children that we do not give them a broken Country.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
National Airline:Our Pride-But......!
I remember, when I was in school, sometime in early '60, I used to hear my elders speak very highly of Air India. It, at the time had, if I remember correctly, only six Boeing 'Jumbo' aircraft and they would cover the globe. Mostly on time,most of the time. The crew was good- I had a relative who was a Pilot (ex-IAF),then. In our neighbour came a newly married couple-the wife was ex air hostess, beautiful to say the least.
The 'Maharaja' was looked up to and admired as among the leading world Airline. It always displayed a very eye catching advertisements, which were topical to be sure. To be employed and serving in the Airline was a matter of pride. Members of the Air India 'team' were always looked in awe by us youngsters. To 'fly' became a cherished desire to achieve.
Perhaps, this was what motivated me and I, did get selected in the IAF and became a professional, operational Pilot. Many of my school mates also took to aviation, and some of them are presently flying in Airlines, including Air India. They were and will be envy of many, even in this present day.
I recently got an opportunity to fly as a paying passenger in our National Airline and I confess, I looked forward to enjoy this flight, with my wife in tow. We were to fly to HongKong,to be with our son and his family.The flights,both to and back were very comfortable. The execution by the flying crew was smooth and punctual. The cabin crew wasa ttentive, harried but courteous.
When all that I mentioned above is good and acceptable, then why does the Airline not make a reasonable profit. I suggest, that the airline management look more closely on ground for clues to improve. I can only help in one direction, where the paying passenger comes in contact directly, and speaks about the same to other potential paying passengers. This 'word-of-mouth' campaign is very crucial, as it is readily assimilated by people.
I wish to draw the attention of the management to the callousness by many and sundry from the maintenance floor level to those in the supervisory and management level. When I boarded the aircraft on both occasions of my travel I found the following, which does not speak well of the airline, in the eyes of paying passenger.
I noticed that:
(a) The aircraft to be dirty and unkempt at its first glance. The curtains hanging at various places were in need of wash.
(b) The floor covering was not pasted down as it was originally intended to be. At a couple of places the condition suggested that it should have been replaced completely.
(c) At more than three places,visible to naked eye, in both the aeroplanes, I noticed grease like finger prints of the workman who ha d last visited to the job.
(d) The general upkeep of the galley left much to be desired. The galley stainless steel grid had lost its shine. Many places where there should have been proper handles were covered with insulation tapes. A very undesirable sight to say the least.
(e) The sliding door of the elson compartment, was not sliding smooth enough, lady passenger felt quite harassed.
(f) As the trash bin had not been cleared after the previous landing, used paper napkins perforce strewn all over on the floor.
(g) The passenger seats tapestry and coverings had long lost its original color. Plainly speaking-they are dirty.
I can list more, but, I think I have made my point very clear--CLEAN UP OR......LOOSE!
I am convinced, that the attitude needs correcting. The supervisor has to make his presence felt. The engineer has raise his standard and acquire a new higher threshold of acceptance of quality work. The management has to show more paths leading OUT to all those who do not contribute to keep up the GOOD NAME OF THE AIRLINE which it has rightfully earned.
The 'Maharaja' was looked up to and admired as among the leading world Airline. It always displayed a very eye catching advertisements, which were topical to be sure. To be employed and serving in the Airline was a matter of pride. Members of the Air India 'team' were always looked in awe by us youngsters. To 'fly' became a cherished desire to achieve.
Perhaps, this was what motivated me and I, did get selected in the IAF and became a professional, operational Pilot. Many of my school mates also took to aviation, and some of them are presently flying in Airlines, including Air India. They were and will be envy of many, even in this present day.
I recently got an opportunity to fly as a paying passenger in our National Airline and I confess, I looked forward to enjoy this flight, with my wife in tow. We were to fly to HongKong,to be with our son and his family.The flights,both to and back were very comfortable. The execution by the flying crew was smooth and punctual. The cabin crew wasa ttentive, harried but courteous.
When all that I mentioned above is good and acceptable, then why does the Airline not make a reasonable profit. I suggest, that the airline management look more closely on ground for clues to improve. I can only help in one direction, where the paying passenger comes in contact directly, and speaks about the same to other potential paying passengers. This 'word-of-mouth' campaign is very crucial, as it is readily assimilated by people.
I wish to draw the attention of the management to the callousness by many and sundry from the maintenance floor level to those in the supervisory and management level. When I boarded the aircraft on both occasions of my travel I found the following, which does not speak well of the airline, in the eyes of paying passenger.
I noticed that:
(a) The aircraft to be dirty and unkempt at its first glance. The curtains hanging at various places were in need of wash.
(b) The floor covering was not pasted down as it was originally intended to be. At a couple of places the condition suggested that it should have been replaced completely.
(c) At more than three places,visible to naked eye, in both the aeroplanes, I noticed grease like finger prints of the workman who ha d last visited to the job.
(d) The general upkeep of the galley left much to be desired. The galley stainless steel grid had lost its shine. Many places where there should have been proper handles were covered with insulation tapes. A very undesirable sight to say the least.
(e) The sliding door of the elson compartment, was not sliding smooth enough, lady passenger felt quite harassed.
(f) As the trash bin had not been cleared after the previous landing, used paper napkins perforce strewn all over on the floor.
(g) The passenger seats tapestry and coverings had long lost its original color. Plainly speaking-they are dirty.
I can list more, but, I think I have made my point very clear--CLEAN UP OR......LOOSE!
I am convinced, that the attitude needs correcting. The supervisor has to make his presence felt. The engineer has raise his standard and acquire a new higher threshold of acceptance of quality work. The management has to show more paths leading OUT to all those who do not contribute to keep up the GOOD NAME OF THE AIRLINE which it has rightfully earned.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Passenger Flying-Exposer to Additional Risk
Its' been in the news of a certain Flight examiner who pulled out a contact-breaker to test the Commander of the aeroplane under 'actual conditions' of flight. A very unthoughtful way to do a given job....but, it has been in practise from a very long time. The examiner in question intentionally created an actual emergency where there was none, and could have jeopardised the rest of the flight. Highly objectionable and incorrect way of working. But this has been the way to test both in the civil as well as in the Air Force.
While in the Air Force, flights carrying 'passengers' are a lot few than in the civil,whereas, airlines most of the time transport passengers. To execute a responsible task in this given manner is certainly adding to the risk element for the living.
Examiners, a few of them, do get carried away by their position Vi's-a-Vi's the rest of the flying fraternity. They allow that feeling to creep on to them self that their 'know all' can undo any created situation if the commander/crew fails to respond to correctly and in time. Certainly, having achieved a higher level of expertise, the individual perhaps, most of the time, may be able to retrieve from the self inflicted situation-but, to think that one is a 'super human' and be allowed to expose passengers to such extreme risks, cannot be allowed. This way of testing while 'on-the-job' should be banned forthwith. The Airlines have enough resources to have access to simulators and should the need arise for such testing, it should be done only in empty aircraft, and not while on any transport/passenger commitment. Even this should be rare and far between.
Remember, FLIGHT SAFETY should not be and cannot be compromised, under any conditions.
While in the Air Force, flights carrying 'passengers' are a lot few than in the civil,whereas, airlines most of the time transport passengers. To execute a responsible task in this given manner is certainly adding to the risk element for the living.
Examiners, a few of them, do get carried away by their position Vi's-a-Vi's the rest of the flying fraternity. They allow that feeling to creep on to them self that their 'know all' can undo any created situation if the commander/crew fails to respond to correctly and in time. Certainly, having achieved a higher level of expertise, the individual perhaps, most of the time, may be able to retrieve from the self inflicted situation-but, to think that one is a 'super human' and be allowed to expose passengers to such extreme risks, cannot be allowed. This way of testing while 'on-the-job' should be banned forthwith. The Airlines have enough resources to have access to simulators and should the need arise for such testing, it should be done only in empty aircraft, and not while on any transport/passenger commitment. Even this should be rare and far between.
Remember, FLIGHT SAFETY should not be and cannot be compromised, under any conditions.
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